Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the inside of a woman's uterus--the endometrium--grows on the outside of the uterus. This abnormal growth of tissue typically occurs within the pelvis and can affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel or bladder. Although the cause of endometriosis is unknown, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that at least 5 million American women experience symptoms caused by endometriosis.
Painful Menstruation
The most common symptom associated with endometriosis is severe pain during menstruation. Pain caused by this condition can be so severe that you may be unable to get out of bed in the morning. Endometriosis typically causes chronic pain within the lower abdomen, which can extend into the lower back or intestines. If you have this condition, you can experience severe abdominal cramping immediately before or during your menstrual period, which may increase in severity over time. Severe pain also can cause additional symptoms to develop, including nausea or vomiting.
Pain with Sexual Intercourse
Women who have endometriosis can experience pain during or after sexual intercourse. Abnormal growths of endometrial tissue can occur within the vagina, cervix or the lining of the pelvic cavity. Intimate contact during sexual intercourse can irritate and inflame this tissue, causing pain.
Excretory Pain
Pain during urination or during bowel movements is another symptom of endometriosis. This can occur if endometrial tissue abnormally grows near or on your intestinal tract. Intestinal pain also can lead to nausea, diarrhea, bloating and constipation. Symptoms that tend to be worse during your menstrual period, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explains.
Irregular Bleeding
Endometriosis can cause you to develop abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding in between your menstrual periods. Small amounts of red or brown vaginal discharge can occur at any time if you have this condition. Abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding during your period can also be indicative of endometriosis.
Infertility
If endometrial tissue grows on your reproductive organs, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes, it can interfere with your ability to become pregnant. Women who are unable to become pregnant after attempting to do so for at least 12 months can be diagnosed with infertility. Infertility due to endometriosis is typically a permanent condition.
